Fall Color Update * Week 1 🌼

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Map of Minnesota in different shades of green denoting fall color change in different areas, as reported by Minnesota State Parks and Trails.

Click on the map for a complete fall color report from around the state.

Fall 2022 prediction

Temperature and soil moisture together affect fall color, and we've seen these factors vary widely in recent years. Local weather conditions have an impact on local fall color, and the amount and intensity of fall colors are influenced by conditions before and also during fall, when chlorophyll stops being produced. "Overall color this year should be as stunning as we've come to expect if there are sunny days and chilly but not freezing nights as we get more into the season," anticipates Minnesota DNR's official fall color predictor, Val Cervenka.

Here's to sunshine and cool nights!

Stop to smell the prairie flowers

Each week, we'll compile top destinations and itineraries for you to go see some bright colors, whether from prairie wildflowers or deciduous forests, based on real-time reports from our colleagues at Minnesota state parks. Right now, the prairie's where it's at, with blooming wildflowers carpeting the ground. Follow the itinerary to northwest Minnesota for more wildflowers, first foliage changes, and amazing sunsets!

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Fall color tour of northwest Minnesota

Get away from it all and find serenity at these three hidden gems.

Rainy River seen from shore, framed by branches. Opposite shore is green and orange as colors are starting to change.

You can see Canada from the shores of the Rainy River at Franz Jevne State Park. PHOTO: Doug Easthouse, 9/7/22

Start your northwest Minnesota adventure with a walk along the northern shore of Hayes Lake at Hayes Lake State Park, where you'll pass through jack pines, red pines and a cedar bog boardwalk. Several small gullies give this trail (Pine Ridge) the most elevation change in the park! You'll see wonderful fall colors along the lake as well as many small animals and birds — this park is home to over 200 bird species.

Next, discover Minnesota’s smallest state park, Franz Jevne State Park. This little gem offers picturesque views of the Canadian province of Ontario and the Rainy River, where soaring bald eagles are a common sight. Hike the two-mile loop trail through the park for a river view and towering trees to the southwest. Or simply stop to refuel at the picnic area and enjoy a gorgeous view of the Long Sault Rapids.

Make one last stop at Big Bog State Recreation Area, where flowers and grasses are peaking, and watch for great blue herons while you wait for the sun to set at the Red Lake beach.

Explore. Get Rewards. Join the Club! Hiking and Passport Clubs, Minnesota State Parks and Trails.

Goldenrod and asters

They go together like Batman and Robin, peanut butter and jelly, rock and roll, or salt and pepper.

Native wildflowers goldenrod and asters are in full bloom in prairies across the state, and they’re a dynamic duo that provides much-needed fall food for pollinators. Both are in the Asteraceae family, commonly called the aster, daisy or sunflower family.

Macro photo of a bee on goldenrod flowers.

Busy bees enjoying goldenrod at Red River State Recreation Area. PHOTO: Catherine Johnson, 9/8/22

Goldenrod is a common name for about 100 species worldwide, 16 of which are native to Minnesota. These pollen-rich wildflowers bloom in a brilliant golden hue that often carpets prairies. You may have heard that goldenrod causes hay fever, but this is a myth. They earned this undeserved reputation because they are bright and showy, and often grow in the locations near ragweed which does cause hay fever.

The perfect pairing to goldenrod is the New England aster, which blooms in a bright purple color. Not only do the purple and gold colors of this pairing match another powerful team in our state (skol, Vikings!), they also play a key ecological role in providing a food source. Pollinators like native bees feed on goldenrod and asters to prepare them for a long winter, and in the case of monarch butterflies, to prepare them for a long migration to a warmer climate.

The New England aster is an important late-season food source for pollinators, blooming through October and even into November. PHOTO: Crystal Hotzler, 9/14/22

Text reads, "Prairie Pod. Listen to the prairie. Department of Natural Resources." Vast prairie and blue skies are seen in the background.

Peek fall color at Buffalo River State Park

A vast prairie with grasses in many colors, trees line the horizon.

Some of the finest prairie grasses in the U.S. are now displaying copper, reds, and purples with a splash or two of yellow. PHOTO: Sarah Adams, 9/10/22

A drive or hike at Buffalo River State Park will take you through some of the largest and highest quality northern tallgrass prairie in the United States: The two-mile Bluestem Trail loops through Bluestem Prairie SNA (Scientific and Natural Area) along tall grass species such as big bluestem and Indian grass in seed. If you look closer to the ground, you'll also find blue grama in seed right now. The Picnic Area Trail leads to great fishing spots on the Buffalo River, where you can cast a line for a variety of fish such as white sucker, river redhorse and goldeye.

Goldenrod, purple blazing star, thistle, and stiff sunflower are abundant now.

Wildflowers of the Driftless

Macro image of clematis, a wildflower with white thin petals.

Clematis virginiana as seen at Whitwater State Park last week.

📷 Sara Holger

Share your favorite Minnesota state park, trail and recreation area fall photos and stories. Upload your photo to our website or tag us on Instagram @mnstateparksandtrails and use #YourMNFallFavorites for a chance to be featured in the weekly Fall Color Update and our social channels.